I shoot feathers. 1) Because I have to, shooting off the shelf on my longbows and recurves. 2) Because feathers don't get torn up when shooting groups or with those nock-aimin' dingwads I shoot with. Vanes get torn up in short order. 3) Feathers are much lighter than vanes and give the arrow better FOC with lighter points. 4) Feathers stabilize broadheads better than vanes of equal length and profile. 5) Feathers are not sensitive to temperature. They don't melt if I leave my quiver in the truck all day, on a hot, sunny day. 6) I like the way feathers look on an arrow.

Points in favor of vanes are they are waterproof and they are usually cheaper. Some claim vanes are quieter than feathers, but I've heard vanes whizzing pretty good as they fly too.